South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a new era in economic relations between South Africa and India, emphasizing significant opportunities for deeper cooperation. According to reports from Anadolu, Ramaphosa addressed the South Africa-India Roundtable in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, urging businesses from both countries to strengthen partnerships and turn policy discussions into commercially viable projects and long-term investments. The President stated that 'We are ready for a new era in economic relations between our two countries' and highlighted the need for greater private-sector participation in expanding bilateral economic ties.
Ramaphosa identified renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture and digital innovation as key areas where the two countries can expand cooperation. As reported by Anadolu, he emphasized that South Africa's mineral resources and India's manufacturing capabilities can create opportunities for developing electric vehicles, batteries and other industrial products. The President also invited Indian companies to participate in South Africa's infrastructure development projects, highlighting the country's 195 strategic integrated projects with a combined value of more than $100 billion covering transport networks, renewable energy, water infrastructure and hospitals.
Ramaphosa highlighted the growing potential of cooperation in the digital economy, referring to the new Cape Town site of Indian business services company Atain. According to Anadolu, this facility is expected to increase its workforce in South Africa from 1,500 to more than 2,000 young people. The President also called for stronger collaboration between universities, research institutions, skills development organisations and businesses, stating that deeper institutional partnerships would help build capabilities and create new opportunities for young people.
The South Africa-India Roundtable was held as global leaders gathered in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, providing an opportunity for businesses and policymakers to explore new avenues for bilateral investment, trade and industrial cooperation. As reported by Anadolu, the weekend summit in New Delhi is attended by the Chinese, Russian and Iranian presidents, among other leaders, and comes as the US-Iran war has continued for seven months and the Russia-Ukraine war has dragged on for more than four years. China will take over the rotating BRICS presidency next year after India's term ends. Ramaphosa's remarks come as India and South Africa seek to build on their longstanding economic relationship by focusing on sectors linked to energy transition, critical minerals, manufacturing, infrastructure and digital innovation.
